VESDA
System Design Manual
February 2013
Document: 10270_07
Part Number: 30003
VESDA by Xtralis Introduction to the VESDA System Design Manual
Disclaimer
The contents of this document is provided on an “as is” basis. No representation or warranty (either express or
implied) is made as to the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the contents of this document. The manufacturer
reserves the right to change designs or specifications without obligation and without further notice. Except as
otherwise provided, all warranties, express or implied, including without limitation any implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are expressly excluded.
General Warning
This product must only be installed, configured and used strictly in accordance with the General Terms and
Conditions, User Manual and product documents available from Xtralis. All proper health and safety precautions
must be taken during the installation, commissioning and maintenance of the product. The system should not be
connected to a power source until all the components have been installed. Proper safety precautions must be taken
during tests and maintenance of the products when these are still connected to the power source. Failure to do so
or tampering with the electronics inside the products can result in an electric shock causing injury or death and may
cause equipment damage. Xtralis is not responsible and cannot be held accountable for any liability that may arise
due to improper use of the equipment and/or failure to take proper precautions. Only persons trained through an
Xtralis accredited training course can install, test and maintain the system.
Liability
You agree to install, configure and use the products strictly in accordance with the User Manual and product
documents available from Xtralis.
Xtralis is not liable to you or any other person for incidental, indirect, or consequential loss, expense or damages of
any kind including without limitation, loss of business, loss of profits or loss of data arising out of your use of the
products. Without limiting this general disclaimer the following specific warnings and disclaimers also apply:
Fitness for Purpose
You agree that you have been provided with a reasonable opportunity to appraise the products and have made
your own independent assessment of the fitness or suitability of the products for your purpose. You acknowledge
that you have not relied on any oral or written information, representation or advice given by or on behalf of Xtralis
or its representatives.
Total Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law that any limitation or exclusion cannot apply, the total liability of Xtralis in
relation to the products is limited to:
i. in the case of services, the cost of having the services supplied again; or
ii. in the case of goods, the lowest cost of replacing the goods, acquiring equivalent goods or having the goods
repaired.
Indemnification
You agree to fully indemnify and hold Xtralis harmless for any claim, cost, demand or damage (including legal costs
on a full indemnity basis) incurred or which may be incurred arising from your use of the products.
Miscellaneous
If any provision outlined above is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of law, such invalidity or
unenforceability will not affect the remainder which will continue in full force and effect. All rights not expressly
granted are reserved.
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Introduction to the VESDA System Design Manual VESDA by Xtralis
Scope
The VESDA System Design Manual provides an overview of the VESDA Detection Systems. It briefly
explains concepts of Aspirating Smoke Detection and Smoke Obscuration.
This manual is written for those involved with the management and purchase of VESDA systems,
consultants, specifiers and any one requiring an overview of the VESDA Systems.
Document Conventions
The following typographic conventions are used in this document:
Convention Description
Bold Used to denote: emphasis.
Used for names of menus, menu options, toolbar buttons
Italics Used to denote: references to other parts of this document or other
documents. Used for the result of an action.
Convention Description
Caution: This icon is used to indicate that there is a danger to
equipment. The danger could be loss of data, physical damage, or
permanent corruption of configuration details.
Warning: This icon is used to indicate that there is a danger of
electric shock. This may lead to death or permanent injury.
Contact Us
UK and Europe +44 1442 242 330
D-A-CH +49 4347 903 0
The Americas +1 781 740 2223
Middle East +962 6 588 5622
Asia +86 21 5240 0077
Australia and New Zealand +61 3 9936 7000
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction 3
2 Introduction to Aspirating Smoke Detection 5
3 Introduction to Obscuration 7
4 Introduction to the VESDA System 9
4.1 Pipe Network 9
4.2 Detectors 9
4.3 PC Software 11
4.4 Communications Network 11
4.5 Connecting Xtralis Systems to External Systems 12
4.6 Approvals 12
Index 13
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VESDA by Xtralis Introduction to the VESDA System Design Manual
1 Introduction
The VESDA System is an Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD) System capable of detecting smoke at low
obscuration levels. This enabling detection of smoke at the incipient stage. VESDA Systems are
successfully operating in applications ranging from ultra clean to harsh dirty environments. The laser
detectors have a variety of alarm levels. The thresholds for each alarm level can be set to suit specific site
conditions.
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3 Introduction to Obscuration
Smoke obscuration is the effect of smoke on visibility. It is the most widely accepted measure for expressing
the concentration of smoke and refers to the percentage of light that is blocked, or obscured over a specified
length (meter/foot). Increase in obscuration levels decreases visibility, hence an obscuration of 10% obs/m
(3.13% obs/ft.) will reduce visibility to 90%.
Typically pure oxygen has an obscuration rate of 0% obs/m (0% obs/ft.). At 0.01% obs/m (0.003% obs/ft.)
visibility levels are in the order of approximately 40 Km.
Incipient smoke, invisible to the naked eye in ordinary conditions has an obscuration range of 0.1% obs/m to
1% obs/m (0.03125% obs/ft. to 0.3125% obs/ft.). The figure below shows the relationship between increase in
obscuration and decrease in visibility. Obscuration is used to define the sensitivity level of a smoke detector.
The alarm sensitivity range for VESDA detectors can begin at 0.005% obs/m (0.0015% obs/ft.), allowing
detection of smoke at the incipient stage from overheating wires or equipment.
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4.2 Detectors
There are four standard detectors:
VESDA VLP - The VESDA VLP can be connected to four pipes, each of these can be further branched into
two. For further details, refer to the VESDA VLP Product Guide.
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VESDA VLC - The VESDA VLC is connected to one pipe that may be branched into two. The VESDA VLC
has three Alarm Thresholds. For further details see the VESDA VLC Product Manual.
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4.3 PC Software
Xtralis VSC is a software application that has been developed to configure, manage and maintain VESDA
Systems. The software allows control of detectors and devices connected to the system. It can be
downloaded from the partner extranet at www.xtralis.com.
Xtralis VSM4 is an optional software package that provides the ability to monitor multiple remote sites with full
control and programming functionality. Refer to www.xtralis.com or contact your authorized representative for
further information.
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4.6 Approvals
VESDA Products have been approved by all internationally recognized approvals agencies. Following is a
listing of the approvals received for some VESDA Products:
l UL - Underwriters Laboratories
l CSIRO - Australia
l FM - Factory Mutual
l ULC - Underwriters Laboratories Canada
l LPCB - Loss Prevention Council - United Kingdom
l VdS - Germany
l CFE - Mainland China
l CSFM - California State Fire Marshall
l New York - MEA
l AFNOR - France
l SMA C-tick
l CE Mark
For details on the approvals visit www.xtralis.com.
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Index
A
ASD 5
Aspirating Smoke Detection 5
D
Detectors sensitivity 3
O
Obscuration 7
S
Software 11
V
VFT 11
VLC 10
VLF 10-11
VLP 9
VLS 9
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